To remedy that, Sultan and Mandel added five pillars, or "smokestacks," as the wags called them, that were covered with tiles that bore massive pictures of each skater. But you had to walk a good distance away to get the full sense of the depictions.

That wasn't all: When the artists included Galindo's statement that it was hard being a Mexican-American in an all-American sport, a modest comment today, an uproar ensued. After consulting with his sister and McMahon, Galindo asked that it be excised.

There was even a fight over the height of the work's victory platforms, meant to mimic the Olympic pedestals. Originally, the artists conceived the top one as 52 inches high. After disapproval from city public works officials, they had to live with 36 inches.

So, Polina, go for the gold, or the bronze or the silver. But if someone talks about making you the Sixth Skater, just smile and say nothing.